Abdul Salaam Albari

Abdul Albari was born Richard “Ricky” Gordon in Birmingham, AL on October 9, 1956 to Flim Edward Gordon and Earlene Lipscomb.

Richard grew up in Birmingham and moved to Louisville where he would live most of his adult life.

Richard joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Abdul Salaam Albari. Abdul was kind and he was always smiling. He was an approachable, loving man and treated everyone he met as family.  Even if he didn’t agree with you, he still had love for you.

Abdul passionately fought against inequality and racism, working with local community activists whenever he could.  His charismatic personality and go-getter lifestyle kept him on the go. His strong belief system and love for family allowed his faith in Islam to flourish.

In 2016, Abdul suffered a stroke and never recovered.  And then on April 21, 2024, Abdul’s beautiful spirit transitioned from his earthly body into the spirit realm.

Abdul, while we will no longer be able to see you, we will always feel your spirit.  You will be truly missed.

Abdul is survived by his four children – Shonda King (Pell City, AL), Alima Albari (Atlanta, GA), Fatima Dawson (Chicago IL), Josef Albari (Louisville, KY); three siblings - Larry Gordon (Louisville, KY), Raymond Gordon (Birmingham, AL) and Nina Rhodes (Birmingham, AL); and a host of family and friends that loved him.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For the last eight years, Alima (Abdul’s second oldest) took on the responsibility of taking care of her dad and overseeing his medical, financial and emotional health.

Abdul will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered in Mecca.  Abdul always wanted to go there, so Alima is closing this chapter of her dad’s life by making sure his last wish is honored.

Thank you, Alima!

Special thanks to:

Tayuan Grundy, Khaddir Muhamad, and Danielle & Jirard Brown.